Buda & Pest

We started off on the Pest side of the river, having a look in the city market before wandering up Váci Street to find a coffee shop and people watch. I’ve been doing Hungarian on Duo for the last six weeks and I’m very pleased to be able to say a few useful words! 

We crossed to Buda at Chain Bridge and joined the crowds heading to the art museum and then Fisherman’s Bastion. Floor three, modern art and the outdoor view from the dome was my favourite part - probably will blip the view. Fisherman’s Bastion was just crazy busy so we breathed a sigh of relief, heading to Batthyány tér to try out the metro back to Astoria. Everyone was still above ground so it was nice and quiet. Feet ache a bit now so feet up and chill before heading out for dinner - recommended by the hotel. Mixed reviews online. Hope it’s not a family friend!

Well, turned out pretty well. Good food, pleasant service but way too expensive. Headed off for the very quaint, old fashioned metro line to walk down Andrássy Avenue from Oktagon. At the Opera buildings, we wandered into the Jewish quarter for a fantastic vibe pretty much all the way back - through the twinkling Gozsdu Passage, lined with bars, into an amusement arcade (had to use 'Do you speak English?' in Hungarian to work out how to buy tokens for Rich) and on to find an enormous, quirky pub Szimpla Kert - two levels of funky lighting, rickety bridges between old buildings, graffiti-covered walls, hanging plants and crazy objects. 

We’re both pretty tired now but have an extra double duvet to cover the enormous bed so hopefully, a better night’s sleep tonight!